Germany, UK, and US Boost Vietnamese Dragon Fruit Consumption
Surge in Western Markets
Vietnamese dragon fruit exports to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany have skyrocketed by between 100% and 266% in the first four months of the year compared to the same period last year, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs. Specifically, exports to Germany and the UK rose more than 2.3 fold, reaching $9,43 per kg and over $12 per kg, respectively. Meanwhile, exports to the US surged by over 102% to $12.97 per kg, and to India by 33% to $16.5 per kg.Reduced Demand from China and Japan
Despite the surge in Western markets, Vietnam earned $2,76 per kg from exporting dragon fruit in the four-month period, down 7.5% year on year. Experts attributed this decline to the continued drop in dragon fruit exports to China, Vietnam’s main export market, which fell by 19.3% to only $1,94 per kg. Additionally, markets such as Hong Kong (China) and Japan also reduced their imports of Vietnamese dragon fruit. With declines of between 0.6% and 7.5%.New Opportunities in European and North American Markets
Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, highlighted that the global impact of El Nino is anticipated to reduce dragon fruit output this year. Notably, Mexico and South American countries suffered crop failures. Opening up significant opportunities for Vietnamese dragon fruit to penetrate further into the European and North American markets. As a result, Vietnamese exporters are expected to capitalize on these new opportunities to boost their market presence and exports.Vietnamese dragon fruit exports to Western markets have seen substantial growth despite challenges in traditional Asian markets. The impact of El Nino and crop failures in competing regions present new opportunities for Vietnamese exporters to expand their reach.